Public Library InterLINK is happy to announce that NewToBC will continue to play a vital role in the library and settlement continuum, despite deep cuts to federal settlement funding. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our partners to support newcomers in BC.
Details
NewToBC is a library settlement initiative established in 2012 with support from the provincial government and has operated as a respected federally funded settlement program since 2014. In November 2024, we learned that NewToBC would not receive continued federal funding – a decision reflective of steep reductions throughout the sector. Since then, InterLINK has worked with libraries and the Province to identify a way forward for NewToBC.
With the support from public libraries and the Province, we are pleased to announce that NewToBC will continue planning and delivering cycles of the Library Champions Project. We will also continue to support newcomers, libraries, and other community organizations by maintaining and sharing accurate and up-to-date information on NewToBC’s website and social media.
This work is made possible by generous contributions and support from the Public Libraries Branch of the Government of British Columbia and the following libraries:
- Fraser Valley Regional Library
- North Vancouver City Library
- North Vancouver District Public Library
- Richmond Public Library
- Surrey Libraries
- West Vancouver Memorial Library
What Comes Next
NewToBC is innovative and adaptable. In the coming months, we look forward to working with stakeholders to identify and implement a sustainable funding and service delivery model for NewToBC, and will seek opportunities for community engagement.
InterLINK and the NewToBC team wish to express deep gratitude for the ongoing contributions and support of the Province and participating libraries. We also wish to express appreciation for all the stakeholders that have supported NewToBC over the years including Library Champions and other newcomers, libraries throughout BC, community and settlement organizations, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. These are challenging times for the settlement sector. NewToBC is proud to be able to continue to work with library and settlement partners to provide connections and information that improve newcomers’ lives.